Realforce 108-Key (Uniform 45g) Opinions

[1391406]

I'm considering purchasing the Realforce 108UH-S; a silenced 108-key uniform 45 gram Japanese Topre board. My only concern is the small space bar and the ISO enter key. Any opinions either way before I pull the trigger? Are the silent versions overrated / worth the money? I've never used (much less owned) a keyboard with such a small space bar, either. I'm pretty much sold on 45g though and have no interest in variable weighted, but I'm open to a TKL. However, they've proven difficult to find in uniform 45g.

[rowdy]

Personally I find a small space bar weird.  Maybe as I grew up with at least 10x space bars.

Also ISO-style Enter irks me - I decided a long time ago that I prefer ANSI-style Enter and 1.5 \| key above it.

Opinion seems split on whether the silenced version is worth the extra expense.  Soe members swear by the silenced versions, some (like me, although I have only seen videos of silenced version) prefer the non-silenced version.

[Hyde]

I've tried silence Topre in Japan and I really liked it.  I feel like the silence ring somehow filled the last tiny gap so it doesn't wobble anymore.

However I've heard reports of people liking the regular version better since the silence version might reduce a tiny tiny bit of key travel.

Alternatively you can also get this:  https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1509

As for whether it's worth the money.  If you don't have any Topre then $255 is a good price.

But if you already own a Topre, not sure if it's worth it to get an entire new keyboard.  I've been eyeing it for a while but since I already own a Realforce so I find it hard to pull the trigger.

[1391406]

Personally I find a small space bar weird.  Maybe as I grew up with at least 10x space bars.

Also ISO-style Enter irks me - I decided a long time ago that I prefer ANSI-style Enter and 1.5 \| key above it.

I've always preferred ANSI Enter keys too, and I'm not sure I could adapt. The main draw of this particular board is that it's full size, the color scheme looks nice (though I'm not opposed to black), and most importantly it's uniform 45g.

[1391406]

Alternatively you can also get this:  https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1509

As for whether it's worth the money.  If you don't have any Topre then $255 is a good price.

But if you already own a Topre, not sure if it's worth it to get an entire new keyboard.  I've been eyeing it for a while but since I already own a Realforce so I find it hard to pull the trigger.

I was actually just looking at that Ducky earlier today and while it has everything I'm looking for in a full size Topre board, I was ultimately turned off by the white on black color scheme to the point that I decided to keep looking.

[apolotary]

Silenced Topre feels very "sandy", definitely an interesting feeling which you can't achieve with silencing mods (or can, but I never got anything close to that). However if there's no specific reason for you to use JIS layout, I would suggest buying one in ANSI simply because it's way easier to sell ANSI keyboard on GH or mechmarket

[1391406]

Silenced Topre feels very "sandy", definitely an interesting feeling which you can't achieve with silencing mods (or can, but I never got anything close to that). However if there's no specific reason for you to use JIS layout, I would suggest buying one in ANSI simply because it's way easier to sell ANSI keyboard on GH or mechmarket

There really is no specific reason for me to use a JIS layout other than I can't find a full-sized (or TKL) Topre board in uniform 45g with an ANSI layout. If you're aware of any, by all means let me know. I considered the HHKB 2 and Leopold FC660C, but as cute as they are I just can't get past the layout.

[1deeg]

There really is no specific reason for me to use a JIS layout other than I can't find a full-sized (or TKL) Topre board in uniform 45g with an ANSI layout. If you're aware of any, by all means let me know. I considered the HHKB 2 and Leopold FC660C, but as cute as they are I just can't get past the layout.

Realforce 45g EK edition is sold out but restocks in January according to their site... if you're willing to wait a few weeks

[apolotary]

Already sent a PM, but figured others might be interested as well.

I'm going to proxy some keyboards from Japan in the end of January, mostly off amazon or yahoo auction, if anyone's interested, just shoot me a PM.

[Hypersphere]

I think that I would like the small spacebar, but I would want an ANSI Enter/Return key with a Backslash directly above that I would remap as a Backspace key.

Regarding silenced Topre, I actually prefer the results with my Silencing Rings plus lubing swtiches and stabilizers with Superlube 51010 oil over a factory-silenced Topre or a stock Topre without silencing.

[SamirD]

If you want uniform 45g, I found this when looking at a foray into Topre.  It's in stock and is uniform 45g:
http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rf104&pid=yk2100

[1391406]

If you want uniform 45g, I found this when looking at a foray into Topre.  It's in stock and is uniform 45g:
http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rf104&pid=yk2100

Yeah, I saw these on EK's site and would've jumped on it assuming it had a regular color scheme with normal profile keys. Some reviews mentioned that the key caps may be somewhat uncomfortable to type on if you're not a touch typist.

[apolotary]

If you want uniform 45g, I found this when looking at a foray into Topre.  It's in stock and is uniform 45g:
http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rf104&pid=yk2100

Yeah, I saw these on EK's site and would've jumped on it assuming it had a regular color scheme with normal profile keys. Some reviews mentioned that the key caps may be somewhat uncomfortable to type on if you're not a touch typist.

I personally found the caps too deep and tall for my liking, Novatouch + SA works better

[Vittra]

You might as well wait for the EK 45G to come back in stock, that's really what you want, and settling for something else is going to land you with a board you have to resell .

[Bromono]

I am selling one really cheap.

It is not silent though. Just the numpad area is silent.

I bought it to harvest the slider for my 87U.

[1391406]

I'm really sort of drawn to the white/grey color scheme of the RealForce 104U / 87U, so what I may end up doing is buying a 55g uniform 104U (or 87U) and swapping the domes with a 45g Type Heaven. I know... expensive, but that's really the only way I see being able to obtain the color scheme I like in the uniform weighting I prefer.

[SamirD]

I'm really sort of drawn to the white/grey color scheme of the RealForce 104U / 87U, so what I may end up doing is buying a 55g uniform 104U (or 87U) and swapping the domes with a 45g Type Heaven. I know... expensive, but that's really the only way I see being able to obtain the color scheme I like in the uniform weighting I prefer.

And when you do, you may have created what someone else wants--a 55g Type Heaven. 

[1391406]

I'm really sort of drawn to the white/grey color scheme of the RealForce 104U / 87U, so what I may end up doing is buying a 55g uniform 104U (or 87U) and swapping the domes with a 45g Type Heaven. I know... expensive, but that's really the only way I see being able to obtain the color scheme I like in the uniform weighting I prefer.

And when you do, you may have created what someone else wants--a 55g Type Heaven. 

That's true. Well, unless I end up with an 87U where there'd be enough domes for all but the numpad.

[SamirD]

I'm really sort of drawn to the white/grey color scheme of the RealForce 104U / 87U, so what I may end up doing is buying a 55g uniform 104U (or 87U) and swapping the domes with a 45g Type Heaven. I know... expensive, but that's really the only way I see being able to obtain the color scheme I like in the uniform weighting I prefer.

And when you do, you may have created what someone else wants--a 55g Type Heaven. 

That's true. Well, unless I end up with an 87U where there'd be enough domes for all but the numpad.

So then you have a limited edition 'dual weighted' model.

[1391406]

I'm really sort of drawn to the white/grey color scheme of the RealForce 104U / 87U, so what I may end up doing is buying a 55g uniform 104U (or 87U) and swapping the domes with a 45g Type Heaven. I know... expensive, but that's really the only way I see being able to obtain the color scheme I like in the uniform weighting I prefer.

And when you do, you may have created what someone else wants--a 55g Type Heaven. 

That's true. Well, unless I end up with an 87U where there'd be enough domes for all but the numpad.

So then you have a limited edition 'dual weighted' model.

That's true!

[1391406]

So, I just ordered a Realforce 87U (55g) and a Type Heaven. We'll see how it goes.

[SamirD]

And the adventure begins...

[Hypersphere]

So, I just ordered a Realforce 87U (55g) and a Type Heaven. We'll see how it goes.

Did you order the black or white RF87U?

It will be interesting to see your impressions of the two Topre-switch keyboards. I have not tried the Type Heaven myself, but based on reports of others, I would say that the RF87U is the better board.

I am typing this on my RF87UB55. I have installed my Silencing Rings and lubed the stabilizers and switch rails. I've also swapped out the spacebar for a PBT one and put rubber shock absorbers under the space bar. Apart from the form factor (I prefer 60%), the modded RF87UB55 is now my favorite because of its quiet smoothness. To use a tired car analogy, the RF is like driving a luxury sedan. When I want to have the sports car experience, I use my HHKB.

[Hyde]

I'm really sort of drawn to the white/grey color scheme of the RealForce 104U / 87U, so what I may end up doing is buying a 55g uniform 104U (or 87U) and swapping the domes with a 45g Type Heaven. I know... expensive, but that's really the only way I see being able to obtain the color scheme I like in the uniform weighting I prefer.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68076.msg1611231#msg1611231

I did something similar before.  Too bad I didn't have silence ring otherwise I'd put that in also. 

So, I just ordered a Realforce 87U (55g) and a Type Heaven. We'll see how it goes.

Did you order the black or white RF87U?

It will be interesting to see your impressions of the two Topre-switch keyboards. I have not tried the Type Heaven myself, but based on reports of others, I would say that the RF87U is the better board.

I own both and I have to say Realforce do feel better (only because of PBT keycaps).

Body construction wise both are super solid.  Look wise, I actually like Type Heaven better, I like modern looking keyboard. 

[1391406]

So, I just ordered a Realforce 87U (55g) and a Type Heaven. We'll see how it goes.

Did you order the black or white RF87U?

White.

It will be interesting to see your impressions of the two Topre-switch keyboards. I have not tried the Type Heaven myself, but based on reports of others, I would say that the RF87U is the better board.

I'm pretty excited to try them. I've heard the same thing about 87U's, as well. Most of the reviews I've watched seem to attribute it to the PBT caps.

I am typing this on my RF87UB55. I have installed my Silencing Rings and lubed the stabilizers and switch rails.

I've heard other people talk about switching rails. What are they referring to exactly? I'm not sure what rails are. (maybe I do and never knew what they were called)

I've also swapped out the spacebar for a PBT one and put rubber shock absorbers under the space bar. Apart from the form factor (I prefer 60%), the modded RF87UB55 is now my favorite because of its quiet smoothness. To use a tired car analogy, the RF is like driving a luxury sedan. When I want to have the sports car experience, I use my HHKB.

You've really gone all out. That sounds awesome. By the way, if you know of a good lubing mod tutorial, feel free to toss it my way.

[1391406]

I'm really sort of drawn to the white/grey color scheme of the RealForce 104U / 87U, so what I may end up doing is buying a 55g uniform 104U (or 87U) and swapping the domes with a 45g Type Heaven. I know... expensive, but that's really the only way I see being able to obtain the color scheme I like in the uniform weighting I prefer.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68076.msg1611231#msg1611231

I did something similar before.  Too bad I didn't have silence ring otherwise I'd put that in also. 

Awesome link. I can definitely use that. By the way, do you know where to buy silencing rings? I checked EK but didn't see any for Topre.

EDIT: I found some on eBay

[Hyde]

I'm really sort of drawn to the white/grey color scheme of the RealForce 104U / 87U, so what I may end up doing is buying a 55g uniform 104U (or 87U) and swapping the domes with a 45g Type Heaven. I know... expensive, but that's really the only way I see being able to obtain the color scheme I like in the uniform weighting I prefer.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68076.msg1611231#msg1611231

I did something similar before.  Too bad I didn't have silence ring otherwise I'd put that in also. 

Awesome link. I can definitely use that. By the way, do you know where to buy silencing rings? I checked EK but didn't see any for Topre.

EDIT: I found some on eBay

Yeah Hypersphere sells them on eBay, just search Topre rings you'll find them. 

[sintklaas73]

bloody hell...those rings are expensive!

[steve.v]

I'm considering purchasing the Realforce 108UH-S; a silenced 108-key uniform 45 gram Japanese Topre board. My only concern is the small space bar and the ISO enter key. Any opinions either way before I pull the trigger? Are the silent versions overrated / worth the money? I've never used (much less owned) a keyboard with such a small space bar, either. I'm pretty much sold on 45g though and have no interest in variable weighted, but I'm open to a TKL. However, they've proven difficult to find in uniform 45g.

Show Image

If I was to redo or have more funds, I would have gotten the jp hhkb with the smaller spacebar. The two smaller keys next to the spacebar can be used as modifier keys; as oppose to using the pinkies. If it can be programmed, I may use them for layer switching also.

[1391406]

I'm considering purchasing the Realforce 108UH-S; a silenced 108-key uniform 45 gram Japanese Topre board. My only concern is the small space bar and the ISO enter key. Any opinions either way before I pull the trigger? Are the silent versions overrated / worth the money? I've never used (much less owned) a keyboard with such a small space bar, either. I'm pretty much sold on 45g though and have no interest in variable weighted, but I'm open to a TKL. However, they've proven difficult to find in uniform 45g.

Show Image

If I was to redo or have more funds, I would have gotten the jp hhkb with the smaller spacebar. The two smaller keys next to the spacebar can be used as modifier keys; as oppose to using the pinkies. If it can be programmed, I may use them for layer switching also.

I could handle one of these: